The BATE Borisov star admits that wins over Bayern Munich and Lille have set the tone for the remainder of the campaign but has urged everyone to keep their feet on the ground
This season’s UEFA Champions League has already seen two shocking results in the group stages. Surprisingly, both results came from the same side in Belarusian side BATE Borisov. The minnows, who were earlier touted as the whipping boys of their group that
contained the likes of Lille, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lille-OSC-c39800 and then Bayern Munich which is something that does not happen every day.
BATE are the new European sensation and could do exactly what APOEL Nicosia did last season when they reached the quarterfinals of the prestigious competition.
A 3-1 win over Lille at the Stade Metropole followed by a home win against the German giants by the same scoreline. After these two historic victories, BATE have a great chance of qualifying for the next phase of the competition for the first time.
While talking to French reporters, one of the stars of the team, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Renan-Bressan-c30813 spoke about the dream start of the campaign. The Brazil-born naturalised Belarusian admits that no one in his side expected to get all six points from the opening two games against
two very good sides.
Against Lille, Bressan feels that his side was lucky as well as the second goal they scored in the first half was offside.
“We scored the first goal quickly. The second was slightly offside. We played one of the best matches in the history of the club but we also had a bit of luck,” says the 23-year-old.
Humble and happy, the young attacking midfielder also spoke about his team’s secret to success.
“The secret? It did not start today. The president and the coach work very hard. The club has been structured for 10 to 15 years. Over the past five years, he has managed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time (2008).”
While nobody would have betted a dime on BATE following the UCL draw, Viktor Goncharenko’s charges are now everyone’s favourites of playing the knockout stage of the competition. However, Bressan has asked everyone to remain cautious as all teams in the
group have their respective targets in sight.
“We have two important games against Valencia and then at home against Lille. I think Lille want at least a third place. We respect everyone. But this is a good start, we need to move forward.”
Tonight, they take on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-CF-c40864 and BATE might be looking for their third consecutive scalp which could possibly ensure them of playing in the knockouts, which could be a tough act to follow.
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